Bt cotton is

Options

A. Transgenic plant
B. Mutated plant
C. Cloned plant
D. Hybrid plant

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Bt Cotton**: Bt cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) that has been altered to express a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis.

2. **Transgenic Nature**: The term "transgenic" refers to an organism that has been genetically engineered to contain a gene or genes from another species. In this case, the cotton plant has been modified to include the gene from Bacillus thuringiensis.

3. **Function of the Inserted Gene**: The gene from Bacillus thuringiensis produces a protein that is toxic to certain pests, particularly the larvae of moths and butterflies, which are common pests of cotton.

4. **Benefits of Bt Cotton**: The incorporation of this gene makes Bt cotton resistant to specific insect pests. This resistance leads to reduced reliance on chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and human health.

5. **Impact on Yield**: By being resistant to pests, Bt cotton can achieve higher yields compared to non-transgenic cotton varieties, as it suffers less damage from pest infestations.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, Bt cotton is a transgenic crop that is insect-resistant and contributes to higher agricultural productivity.

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